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Five for Friday

1. THEDAILY SHOW: RICK SHENKMANIn this recent interviewwith Jon Stewart, Rick Shenkman, professor at George Mason
University and author of
the new book "Just How Stupid are We?: Facing the Truth about the American Voter", quotes the 19th century
satirist Ambrose Bierce:

"War is God’s
way of teaching Americans geography."

What are your thoughts
on Shenkman’s provocative claims?

2. MAD FOR MAPSAs you are most likely aware, we here at National Geographic
think maps are pretty cool. Apparently, “we are not alone” in this fascination.
The popularity of these wonderful little navigational tools has exploded in
recent years, due in part to the suite of innovations offered on the internet. Check
out this interesting
piece that describes just how technologically advanced online maps have
become. Take note of the dynamic role assumed by online viewers in tailoring
cartographic images to fit their individual needs and interests.

3. TAKING MULTICULTURAL LEARNING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVELHere’s a great
article highlighting the ways in which one New York school district is quickly becoming
a model of how a geographical and multicultural perspective can work to create
a truly rich and stimulating academic environment.

4. DAVID DE ROTHSCHILD: “PLASTIKI”Ever yearn to explore the ocean blue? If so, you will
definitely be interested to learn about the latest adventure being undertaken
by David de Rothschild, an environmental storyteller participating in theNational Geographic Fellows Program. De Rothschild and a small crew plans to
set sail in December of this year off the western coast of South
America–on a raft constructed entirely out of trash! The voyage
is expected to cover nearly 8,000 miles along the Pacific
Ocean. Find out just how de Rothschild hopes to turn this dream
into a reality in this awesome video
clip.

5. FREE POVERTY GEOGRAPHY GAMEThis online game provides plenty of incentive to test your
geographic I.Q. Every time you play, the site uses its advertising revenues to
fund the World Food Programme, which distributes clean drinking water and food
to those in need around the world. See just how geo-savvy you really are!